The Barefoot Evangelist

Read Matthew 4:1-11 with your family.

This week we heard the story about Jesus going into the wilderness – which was really more like a hot, dusty desert – to be alone with God.

Sometimes when something important is about to begin, we need quiet. We need space. We need to think and pray and figure out who we are and what we’re meant to do. That’s what Jesus was doing.

While he was there, he was tempted.

Some Bibles say “Satan,” like it was a spooky villain. But the original word in Hebrew is ha satan, which simply means “the tempter” – the one who tests you.

Think of it like someone trying to trick you into taking the easy way instead of the right way.

Jesus was tested three times.

First, he was very hungry. The tempter said, “Just turn these stones into bread.”
That sounds harmless, right? But it was about using power just to make himself comfortable.
Jesus said no.

Second, he was told to jump off a high place so God would have to rescue him.
“Prove God loves you,” the tempter suggested.
But love isn’t something you test like that.
Jesus said no again.

Third, he was offered all the power in the world – if he would worship something other than God.
That’s a big shortcut to being important.
Jesus said no a third time.

Three hard tests. Three strong no’s.

Those “no’s” mattered.

They helped Jesus know who he was.
They helped him choose compassion over comfort.
They helped him choose faith over showing off.
They helped him choose love over power.

Later, when Jesus stood up for people who were left out or treated unfairly, he already knew he wouldn’t trade kindness for comfort or power.

Sometimes growing strong doesn’t look loud.
Sometimes it looks like a quiet “no” in the desert.

And that kind of strength lasts.

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